Top Stories

News stories, radio and TV episodes that warrant one of six spots on our homepage. The homepage is in chronological order of publication date, so stories are moved off the homepage as more are categorized “top stories.”

an anchorage police car is parked in a parking lot

2 accused of murdering man in shooting near Anchorage homeless camp

Dominick L. Santana, 21, and Keilen J. Reynolds, 20, were held in Farrel Siulua's death after an alleged robbery escalated to gunfire.
a map

Hot, dry weather generates lightning-sparked wildfires across Interior Alaska

There are over 100 active wildfires burning in the state, with several hotshot crews en route from the Lower 48 to help Alaska firefighters.
pins

State judge upholds most fines against group seeking repeal of Alaska ranked choice voting

A measure seeking to eliminate ranked choice voting and the state’s open primary is on the November ballot.
the outside of a prison

Alaska serial killer Joshua Wade dies in Indiana prison

The cause of death for Wade, 44, who claimed responsibility for the deaths of five people in Alaska, is unknown.

In his final days as Anchorage mayor, Bronson says he’s focused on a smooth transition

Dave Bronson says he has a number of accomplishments he's proud of as well as a few regrets.
a woman

Climate change is muddying the future of trail maintenance in Southeast Alaska

Crews face more intense mud, erosion and wash-outs wreaking havoc on trails as human-caused climate change makes rainstorms more extreme.
two men

Petersburg wolf trapper featured on hunting show ‘MeatEater’

A guide reluctantly showcased his talent for trapping wolves, along with his love and respect for them, on a popular hunting program.
the Supreme Court

Supreme Court upholds federal ban on guns for domestic abusers

The decision was the first major gun ruling since 2022 when the high court broke sharply with existing precedent on gun laws.
a group of people gather outside

Federal judge considers lawsuit that could decide Alaska tribes’ ability to put land into trust

The case could allow tribal governments, rather than Alaska Native corporations, to take authority over significant amounts of Alaska land.
the Red Dog Mine

Red Dog’s dwindling ore is forcing the entire region to consider its future

The mine — an economic engine in Northwest Alaska — could close as soon as 2031.
a power plant

Demolition of Fort Greely’s old nuclear plant to begin this year

More than 50 years after the plant was decommissioned, the building that housed the reactor is scheduled for demolition.
a man

High-ranking Alaska Air Force officer among 2 killed in Kenai Peninsula plane crash

Air Force Col. Mark “Tyson” Sletten, 46, and civilian instructor Paul Kondrat, 41, were found dead Thursday when their plane was retrieved from Crescent Lake.
a desk

Alaska faces consequences as federal education funding equity dispute continues

State officials offered the feds a $300,000 compromise instead of $17 million adjustment.

4 men have died in Alaska’s North Slope oil fields in just over a year

Before the recent string of workplace fatalities, there had not been a death in the area since 2018.
a sunrise

Summer officially arrives with the earliest solstice in more than 2 centuries

The summer solstice — the exact moment when Earth’s north pole is most tilted towards the sun — happens at 12:51 p.m. Alaska time Thursday.
a home

Woman found dead in an Anchorage home after police standoff

Police say both the woman and an officer fired their guns. Her death is under investigation.
A crescent-shaped lake in the mountains on the Kenai Peninsula.

2 men presumed dead after Kenai Peninsula plane crash

Two hikers witnessed the small plane crash into Crescent Lake, troopers say.
the outside of a multi-story building at night.

New Alaska water quality rules are coming. Here’s what that could mean for wastewater systems.

Some difficult-to-treat compounds could present costly challenges, said the head of Alaska's largest water system.
three men pose for a selfie in front of snow mountains

Japanese climbers finish a never-before completed Denali expedition, thanks to help from Alaskans

After their gear was stolen, three Japanese climbers thought their trip to Denali was ruined. Then Alaskans offered help.
A sign in a grassy field reads "Vote here today."

Justice Department says Alaska is discriminating against voters with disabilities

Muddy parking lots, ramps that don't meet the ground, inoperable voting machines — and that's in the cities, Justice Department says.